My phone does what?  by jessicadally

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jessicadally says: Not everyone is a super tech geek who knew about every feature of the iPhone long before it ever hit the shelves. The good news for us non-geeks is that we get to be constantly amused and amazed at the weird and unexpected things our phone can do. So here's a list to show that off, to yourself or someone else still stuck with just a regular phone. Warning, this list may make you appear to be a tech geek to those around you without iPhones.
jessicadally's picks
  1. Ocarina
    Ocarina I'll admit it, I rarely use this app but it's also one of the first apps I ever bought. Why? Because it's weird and a bit creepy. Blow into your phone to make music and listen to people around the world making music too. Who knew that you could play your phone like a flute?
  2. iHandy Level Free
    iHandy Level Free This was also one of my first apps and again, I rarely use it (but then the pictures at my house aren't exactly straight either). That said the fact that my phone has what is apparently called an accelerometer and thus can tell if something is level is just mind boggling. I remember when cell phones were the size of bricks. Ooh, look, there's a gray hair! Seriously though, this app is pretty exciting and definitely useful should you want things level.
  3. SnapTell
    SnapTell There is no better way to impress your librarian friends than this app. OK, it will probably work on music loving or book loving friends too. Just take a picture of the cover of a book and it tells you all about it. Sure, it's just a recognition thing but still pretty amazing for those of us who are easily amused.
  4. ShopSavvy (Barcode Scanner and QR Code Reader)
    ShopSavvy (Barcode Scanner and QR Code Reader) Perhaps because I used to be in charge of scanning at a grocery store this app is especially cool to me. Yes, I geek out on all the information contained in a UPC (did you know that the first numbers are the manufacturer?). Anyway, there are lots of apps that do this but this one is the only one I've found that works consistently. So shop around while in the store by just "scanning" an item. Just don't let the store catch you price checking them. Hmm... I wonder if brick and mortar stores are using this for price comparisons? Let's hope so.
  5. Google Search
    Google Search Not sure why something that recognizes my voice (often poorly) is so interesting but let's face it, half the time the human on the other end of your phone can't understand you so the fact that an app does is pretty impressive. Useful app for those of us that don't like the keyboard, even more useful for those of us with great diction. For those of us who mumble best leave showing this app off to friends for some other time. Hmm... Could be an interesting drinking game?
Curated Links & Tweets

Acceler-whater-meter? (Wikipedia)

Discussion

rachely

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For me, I'd also include that my phone is my impromptu measurement device and ukulele tuner. I use an app that allows you to put a credit card next to an object and then it can extrapolate the size, and X-Pitch gets my uke perfectly tuned. It's pretty neat once you stop thinking of your phone as just a phone.

Associated Apps:  X-Pitch

Reply to comment Posted March 25, 2010

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